False and misleading listings

[kengee46]

Why does eBay allow sellers to list and show a particular item at a particular price, but when you go to purchase the item you find that price is for a lower spec item, or in some cases a completely different item, and when you select the item that was actually listed, pictured, and described, the price jumps considerably.
This is simply FALSE ADVERTISING which should not be allowed, but eBay don't seem to mind being part of this deception. They have the power to stop this but they don't.
I now make it a rule never to purchase from sellers who falsely advertise, and I send the seller a message telling them why I will not purchase their product. Let's all do this.

[countessalmirena]

@kengee46,

Unfortunately eBay Australia appear not to be able to stop this misuse of the listing with variations function. The sellers practising this are primarily Chinese registered eBay members, and eBay.cn will certainly not take any action against them.

I do not buy from Chinese eBay sellers as a rule.

These boards are full of threads about this. I'll list just a few for your interest:

https://community.ebay.com.au/t5/Buying/Deceptive-and-misleading-listing-title/m-p/2300202
https://community.ebay.com.au/t5/Buying/how-to-avoid-multi-items-listings/m-p/2298271
https://community.ebay.com.au/t5/Buying/So-sick-of-incredibly-obvious-and-abundant-Seller-Fraud-and/...
https://community.ebay.com.au/t5/Buying/eBay-should-abolish-multi-variation-listings/m-p/2216070
https://community.ebay.com.au/t5/Buying/Weed-out-price-variation-listings-multiple-prices-in-search/...
https://community.ebay.com.au/t5/Buying/Why-so-many-misleading-listing-results/m-p/2263270
https://community.ebay.com.au/t5/Buying/Why-does-eBay-persist-with-multiple-choice-listings-Makes-it...
https://community.ebay.com.au/t5/Buying/Ebay-listings-are-in-breach-of-pricing-regulations-Items-are...
https://community.ebay.com.au/t5/Buying/Misleading-advertising-pricing-to-description/m-p/2245076
https://community.ebay.com.au/t5/Buying/More-bait-and-switch-stunts/m-p/2241873

[11dustyattic]

1. Neither do I (buy from China). So many complaints about Chinese sellers. What perplexes me is those buyers continue to buy from them. Simple solution. Support local sellers. Reach a bit further into your pockets and buy local. It's not rocket science

[mitchelclar-96]

the potential profits far outweigh the potential fines.

the be clear they dont give a **bleep** about anyone, they are incredibly greedy and morally bankrupt.

[china_dave]

Yes, I agree entirely!  For example, Mini USB Desk Fan advertised for $4.90.  Click on model size - $4.90 applies to Facial scraper Board!!! - completely unrelated!  SHAME ON EBAY to allow such practice!

[davewil1964]

Due digence.

[ozpeterl]

This is still a big problem on eBay in 2024.

I tried reporting one listing for misleading listing practices, for Aquarium Air Pumps, and the lowest price listing had an option "alternative" which was 5 x caribiners. Completely unrelated.

An AI responded to my report "We looked into your report and didn’t find the listing to be in violation of our policy. This determination was made using automation or artificial intelligence. "

The problem isn't that sellers are doing this practice (although that is a problem too), it's that eBay don't consider it a problem, and won't do anything about it. I'm interested to know what ACCC thinks about bait-and-switch. It's an eBay policies problem. I'm sure many of us would love reporting such practices, and that would help stamp it out.

It makes eBay much less useful, and sees me going to other sites

[twyngwyn]

Is the seller in China or overseas? If so, ACCC won't get involved....

[sugar249]

Hope you are also going to report your local supermarket (ie. Woolies),  who in their catalogues show multiple items, even though the price is only for one item.

It comes down to common sense,  if you select the item and it caribiners, instead of an aquarium, don't buy,  

[brickworksmarket]

There's a difference between the two as the ebay seller does not mention the random item in the title that relates to the lower price. So in looking for an air pump I would not be expecting a random item like a hook for sticking to glass to hang something off it. Some at least offer an item relating to the searched item like a spare part or accessory.